When that device is unveiled, customers can expect a number of nice features, according to the rumor mill. Everything from a bigger display to 4G connectivity is currently in the works, according to reports. Apples iPhone 5 might just be the very best handset the company has launched to date. Whereas the iPhone 4S was a nominal upgrade over its predecessor, the iPhone 5 will likely be an entirely new generation of the popular handset.

Even so, questions remain about what new features will be added to the iPhone 5 and whether it will impress mobile phone users as much as the earlier models. In the end, it all comes down to features.

Read on to find out what features are most likely to make their way to Apples iPhone 5:

1. A bigger display

According to the Wall Street Journal and numerous other reports, Apple is planning to bundle a 4-inch display with the iPhone 5. That would mean that the screen would dwarf the companys current 3.5-inch screen in the iPhone 4S and make it more competitive with rival handsets that try to win over buyers with 4.3-inch-and-larger screens.

2. Near-field communication

Out of all the features Apple is expected to bring to the iPhone 5, near-field communication is arguably the least appealing. The offering would allow users to make mobile payments from their smartphones and potentially extend the functionality of the iPhone beyond that. But considering NFC has yet to take off in the market, who knows if Apple can change things?

3. An improved Siri

Siri made its way to the iPhone 4S when that device launched back in October. But since then, the platform has been in beta form as Apple reportedly works on improving it. If and when the iPhone 5 is unveiled, expect a new and improved Siri to emerge.

4. iOS 6

Every time Apple launches a new iPhone, the company offers up a fresh version of its mobile software, iOS. This time around, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 6, an operating system that is supposedly going to boast a host of improvements to enhance productivity and better manage files. Itll be a nice addition to the iPhone 5.

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5. An eye on design

If nothing else, Apple will bring refreshed design to the iPhone 5. Over the last couple of years, the company has been offering up nominal upgrades, making many wonder if the iPhone 5 will be a major update over its predecessor. Based on the latest rumors, that appears to be the case. Expect a nice, new design in the iPhone 5.

6. 4G

Now that Apple has proven that its willing to play nice with 4G LTE in the new iPad, its not a stretch to believe that itll offer the same ultra-high-speed connectivity in the iPhone 5. After all, 4G LTE is the future of mobile wireless. And Apple likes to be ahead of (or at least close to) the curve.

7. An end to shattering glass

The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S come with an all-glass finish that, while quite nice-looking, can lead to shattering. In fact, my own iPhone 4 has suffered a shattered back plate that looks awfully ugly. With the iPhone 5, however, Apple is reportedly considering bringing back an aluminum back plate and will deliver stronger glass, thanks to Gorilla Glass. Heres hoping it does so.

8. No major changes in size

Despite the fact that Apples iPhone 5 might be coming with a larger screen, the device itself is not expected to be any bigger. Apple has found the sweet spot for mobility with its iPhone 4S, and the last thing it wants to do is lose that. So rather than make it excessively fatter or thicker, Apple has reportedly decided to make it a bit taller to accommodate a larger display. Nice.

9. A better camera

The iPhone is the worlds most popular camera. And Apple, aware of that advantage, will attempt to make it a bit more appealing to users with an upgrade in the iPhone 5. Exactly what that upgrade will consist of remains to be seen, but its not beyond the realm of possibility that Apple offers an 8-megapixel camera that interacts with some neat new photo-snapping features in iOS 6.